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Looking for a bit of sunshine? A few nights out on the town? Or just a solid dose of California, Arizona and Nevada's best attractions? Look no further than LA to Vegas, the original road trip for those wanting a taste of the things that make America's West a great place to visit. Stroll through the bizarre flora of Joshua Tree National Park, peer over the edge of the Grand Canyon and relax on the beaches of sunny San Diego. For those who just want to hit the road and leave the world in their dust, the LA to Vegas adventure is just the ticket.

The Grand Canyon National Park needs no introduction. Unlike most trips, you'll spend two nights in the park so there's a full day to explore properly. See the mighty canyon up close on a variety of hikes or take a helicopter flight overhead

Lose yourself among the bright desert lights of Las Vegas - a great way to end your adventure. Remember, what happens in Vegas...

Is this trip right for you?

This is a participatory trip. That’s a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride – you’re part of a team! You know the phrase ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’. Well that’s extra true on this trip. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand – everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!

That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately US$10 per day, run to cover the cost of meals. This kitty saves you worrying about stuff like where to get food or what exactly sales tax is, and actually helps keep your costs down. Instead of paying individually as you go, it means we can bulk purchase items and cook our own food – though there’s always the chance to use it for the occasional pizza night! The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food.

The United States is a world of endless possibilities – that’s why our Basix trips are designed so they fit together as (not quite endless) combinations. That means while you might just be starting your trip, some of your new travel mates may have been travelling together for a week or more (and so have some great tips for you). You can see how our trips fit together and all the different possible combinations at www.intrepidtravel.com/brochures. Simply click view/download on the North America brochure and look at the combo map on page 12.

The USA is a big country. Travel times between some destinations can be long. You'll be spending a fair amount of time in a van with other travellers, so conditions may feel a little cramped. On the third day of the trip, for example, the total driving time to and then through Joshua Tree National Park is about seven hours. This allows you to see some stunning scenery and is all part of the adventure - you might even make some long-term friends.

Traffic in and out of LA and San Diego can be hectic, especially during holiday periods. There may be delays, so be prepared to take part in car games to keep you entertained.

Temperatures in Grand Canyon National Park can be high, especially when hiking in the summer. Make sure that you wear sturdy walking shoes, use sun protection and drink plenty of water.

Gallery

Itinerary

Welcome to the USA! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby today at 6 pm. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

As this trip spends little time in Los Angeles, we recommend you arrive a few days early to see the sights. The 'City of Angels' is world-renowned for the glamorous districts of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, not to mention the shopping on Rodeo Drive. From Venice Beach to Disneyland, it's a veritable smorgasbord for the senses. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). You might consider doing our one-day Urban Adventure sightseeing tour of Los Angeles (see urbanadventures.com).

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Today drive south for two-and-a-half hours to San Diego, close to California's border with Mexico. Sunny San Diego is a great city to get out and explore as it serves up year-round temperate weather. Perhaps relax along the golden beaches of Mission Bay, take a stroll through Balboa Park or feast on some delicious Mexican fare. In the evening, you may like to head down to the Pacific Beach district and sample some of the bars on Garnet Street.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

San Diego - Balboa Park Museum Pass - USD44

San Diego - Beaches - Free

Meals Included

Today head away from the coast and drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Sitting between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park is famous for its spectacular desert plants, including Joshua trees, cacti and Mojave yuccas. The area is also home to striking rock formations and mountain ranges. You might like to head out on a scenic hike around the park or even take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River. Set up camp near the river bank. Today's total driving time is around seven hours.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Joshua Tree National Park

Optional Activities

Colorado River - Swimming - Free

Joshua Tree National Park - Hiking - Free

Meals Included

Drive for six hours to Grand Canyon National Park. Words don't do justice to the Grand Canyon. This stunning gorge is 1.5 kilometres deep, formed by over six million years of erosion from the Colorado River. You'll spend two nights here, in order to allow a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Grand Canyon National Park

Meals Included

Today is a free day to explore the Grand Canyon, one of the largest canyon systems in the world. Stroll along the meandering South Rim Trail or hike your way down to Plateau Point. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you might even opt for a scenic helicopter flight over the area (at your own expense). In the early evening, relax at the canyon's edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one the world's natural wonders.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Optional Activities

Grand Canyon - Helicopter flight (45 mins) - USD295

Grand Canyon - Hiking - Free

Grand Canyon - IMAX movie - USD15

Meals Included

Head out of the Grand Canyon and cross the western deserts of Arizona to Las Vegas. Along the way, you'll drive along a section of the famous Route 66, stopping in at the eccentric town of Seligman. The total drive will take around five hours.

Las Vegas may be the gambling capital of the world, but there's plenty to do if gambling isn't your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller coaster or simply stroll along the Strip, soaking up the glitz and gaudiness.

The trip finishes on arrival into Las Vegas and no accommodation is provided tonight. The arrival time depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 8pm. This will give you enough time to catch a shuttle from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure. If you are staying in town for the evening, perhaps feast on an 'all you can eat' buffet, check out one of the many shows on offer or party the night away in a Vegas nightclub. If you do wish to spend extra time in Las Vegas we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Optional Activities

Las Vegas - Helicopter Tour of The Strip - USD110

Las Vegas - Limo (per group) - USD300

Las Vegas - Big Apple Express roller coaster - USD15

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
If you are spending extra nights in Las Vegas and are interested in seeing a Cirque du Soleil show, you can book discounted tickets in advance at http://cirk.me/intrepid.

Inclusions

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (4 nights),
Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

Joshua Tree National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (4 nights),
Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

Joshua Tree National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Dates & availability

Trip search is unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our LA to Vegas Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Important notes

1. This trip finishes on arrival into Las Vegas in the afternoon on day 6.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.